Mark 9:33-43

New International Version

³³ They came to Capernaum.^(A) When he was in the house,^(B) he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” ³⁴ But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.^(C)

³⁵ Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”^(D)

³⁶ He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms,^(E) he said to them, ³⁷ “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”^(F)

Whoever Is Not Against Us Is for Us^(G)

³⁸ “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”^(H)

³⁹ “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, ⁴⁰ for whoever is not against us is for us.^{(I) 41} Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.^(J)

Causing to Stumble

⁴² “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble,^(K) it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.^{(L) 43} If your hand causes you to stumble,^(M) cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell,^(N) where the fire never goes out.^(O)